• Anatomy physiology and pathology

This will provide you with the underpinning knowledge of anatomy and physiology to enable you to understand the structure and function of the body in the preparation for safely undertaking aesthetic treatments. Furthermore, you will learn common pathologies for each body system in order to identify contra-indications to any planned treatments. You will study:

-The organisation of the human body; cells, tissues, organisms and chemicals, anatomical terms, regions and movements.

-Anatomy and physiology of the human body; cell structure and characteristics, tissues, an understanding of 11 bodily systems ( e.g. edocrine, lymphatic, nervous and circulatory).

-Pathologies associated with each of systems of the body.

• Electrical Science

In this unit, you’ll explore the essential principles of electrical science that underpin modern electrical beauty therapy treatments. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the natural and physical sciences that make these technologies work, building the knowledge you need to apply electrical modalities safely and effectively in professional practice. You will study:

- The structure of matter; function and structure of atoms, substances, molecules and compounds.

- Electricity and the effects of an electric current; measurements of electricity, pressures, power, strength and electrical resistance. You will cover electrical equipment and how their effects on the skin and body are achieved.

-Natural and artificial electromagnetic radiation; different types of radiation and their beneficial effects on body tissue including any harmful effects.

• Skin Analysis and facial skincare

This unit is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to carry out professional facial treatments on the face, neck and décolleté. Throughout the unit, you’ll learn how to prepare for and deliver effective skincare treatments, understand treatment indications and benefits, recognise expected treatment outcomes, and identify any contraindications that may affect suitability. This will support the diagnostic skills required for professional practice that cover:

-Salon requirements for facial treatments; professional presentation, record keeping, sensitivity testing, handling contra-actions to treatment, insurance and treatment of minors.

-The effects and indications for facial treatment; facial therapies and their benefits, safe application techniques, skin analysis and contra-indications to treatment, diseases and disorders.

-preparing and providing facial treatments; consultation, safe setting up, preparing client and providing suitable aftercare, maintaining client treatment records.

• Consultation and client care

This unit will help you develop confident, professional consultation skills, ensuring every client receives excellent care. You’ll learn how to conduct effective pre‑ and post‑treatment consultations, communicate clearly, and identify suitable, realistic treatment goals. You will study:

-Principles of client care and consultation; personal presentation, client record keeping, roles and responsibilities of specialist service providers, insurance and legislation implications when carrying out client consultations, salon standards of communication and limits of authority.

-Conducting client consultation; client treatment and service plans, consultation techniques and effective communication, limitations to desired outcomes, recommendations, aftercare advice,

• Health and safety in the salon

This unit outlines the principles of health and safety at work within a salon, clinic or spa, introducing legislation and legal and regulatory factors that govern practice within the industry. You will study:

-Influencing health and safety factors; environmental, occupational and human factors

-Importance of legislation; appropriate terminology, legal obligations and legislation for salon services

-Methods of achieving high standards; hazards and risks, sterilisation, procedures for risk assessments, PPE, preventing issues and complaints, maintaining a safe salon.

The overall qualification is graded as pass or fail and In order to achieve this qualification, you will be assessed via:

• Externally set and internally assessed practical assessments ( for the skin analysis/facial skincare and client care units).
• Externally set and externally marked theoretical examinations ( Multiple choice examination for all units studied).
• Treatment portfolio of evidence ( for the skin analysis/facial skincare and client care units).

The treatment portfolio of evidence will be performed under controlled conditions whereby you will be required to provide evidence of six facial treatments being performed (including 1 steam and extraction).

The primary aim of this qualification is to prepare you for studying further specialist qualifications at level 4 and higher, which will subsequently provide a gateway into the beauty aesthetic industry. Such qualifications include but is not exhaustive of:

• Level 4 Skin Needling
• Level 4 Skin Peeling
• Level 4 Dermaplaining
• Level 4 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound

Preston College does not currently deliver these specific Level 4 qualifications, however, we are continuing to develop our provision to expand our specialist training. Watch this space!

Whilst formal English qualifications are not required for direct entry on to this programme, you will need to possess proficient English skills that will enable you to fully participate in all aspects of your learning and successfully achieve your qualification.

Your level of English skills will be assessed during the application process and will be determined by any previously obtained qualifications or via an English assessment, where appropriate.